Originally Posted by
sixate
I did years ago, but pedal strikes are too annoying. Won't go longer than 175mm now.
My inseam is 87.5cm which is about 46% of my entire height (190cm) . According to the 21.6% rule (being the longest crank arm length in proportion to inseam) that means i can go max 188 or 189mm. The best i managed was 190mm.
Ive ridden 190's on a regular 275mm bb height as well as a 285-290mm ish hybrid bike.
I constantly had to be mindful around turns with 275mm. Would i do it again? Sure, its still better than using anything less than 180mm, at least for me.
I did get some striking on the hybrid bike with the 285mm bb, but this was only because I was wasn't worrying about it at all and would forget about clearance around some tight turns. Nothing but a light scrape.
If I was able to get 185 or 187.5mm, this is what I'd prefer. All in all, I dread getting back onto a bike with stock 175's. It takes away the power and smooth spin I've gotten used to and neuter the fun.